Black Starlets coach anticipates tough battle against India

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Black Starlets head coach Paa Kwesi Fabin is veritably aware the clash against India today will not be an easy one as they bid to save their FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign.

Ghana got off to a flying start, beating Colombia by a lone goal but were put to the sword 1-0 in their second match against USA on Monday.

The defeat to the Yanks has left the Starlets needing full spoils at the expense of whipping boys of Group A to secure qualification to the knockout stage.

And the tactician reckons the challenge that lies ahead but says they are poised to record a win.

“Today’s match is a very crucial match. As you know India want to win and stay in contention, we also want to win and move forward, therefore it’s a very crucial game but we believe football will be the winner at the end of the day,” Fabin said.

“This is not a do or die affair it’s a game of football and we all want to play and enjoy the game, and give back to the public who will come and watch.”

“I think it will be a good game and I entreat everybody to come and watch so that they will enjoy good football.”

“Normally when you are playing against the host country your first goal will really bring relief to you, so we will be trying to see if we can score the first goal to calm the crowd a little bit.”

Paa Kwesi Fabin

Asked whether supporters should expect more goals after crying of wastefulness in the USA defeat, the former Heart of Lions trainer replied: “When you come to training we do a lot of scoring exercise but that is football for you sometimes you don’t understand what happens but we are hoping things get right as we moving along.”

“I’m impressed with Indians, especially in their second match. The first match was not too good but the second match they did very well but they were just unlucky to hit the bar twice, that could have resulted in a goal.”

“That’s why I’m saying tomorrow’s game will be very crucial, they have improved and definitely they will improve more than they did on Monday, Fabin concluded.

The two-time world champions could be facing an early exit from the tournament if they lose the game by a three-goal margin, and Colombia beat the USA by two unanswered goals in the other match.

The much anticipated clash will come off at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, at 14:30 GMT.